Welcome to the Next Level in the World of the 32X...
Name:
Knuckles' Chaotix - North America and Europe
Chaotix - Japan
Other Names (Nicknames): N/A
Release Dates:
March, 1995 - North America
April 21st, 1995 - Japan
May, 1995 - Europe
Quality: 32-Bit, Sidescrolling Platformer
Game System(s): Sega 32X
Also released on: N/A
Developer(s): Sega
Publisher(s): Sega
Credits:
Executive Producer: Mamoru Shigeta
Producer: Hiroshi Aso, Makoto Oshitani, Mike Larsen
Director: Masahide Kobayashi, Atsuhiko Nakamura, Naohisa Nakazawa
Team Leader: Hiroshi Fukutsu
Assistant Producer: Bill Person
Game Designer: Hiroshi Fukutsu, Keisuke Miura, Kenichi Ono
Map Designer: Hiroshi Fukutsu, Keisuke Miura, Kenichi Ono, Hideki Anbo, Masato Nishimura, Katsunori Murakami
Text Coordinator: Ryoichi Hasegawa
Product Manager: Ami Matsumura-Blaire
Chief Graphic Designer: Takumi Miyake
Attraction Designer: Takumi Miyake, Jina Ishiwatari, Sei Akaiwa, Masumi Uchida, Masamichi Harada, Tohru Watanuki, Akira Yamaguchi, Saori Wada, Tsutomu Nakatsugawa
Original Character Concept: Naoto Ohshima, Takashi Thomas Yuda, Manabu Kusunoki, Kazuyuki Hoshino, Takumi Miyake, Yasufumi Soejima
Character Designer: Ryo Kudou, Takumi Miyake, Jina Ishiwatari, Kazuyuki Hoshino, Yasufumi Soejima
Enemy Designer: Takumi Miyake, Ryo Kudou, Kazuyuki Hoshino
Boss Designer: Ryo Kudou, Takumi Miyake
Chief Programmer: Hiroshi Okamoto, Toshiaki Yajima
68K Programmer: Toshiaki Yajima
SH2 Programmer: Tatsuo Yamajiri
Scroll Programmer: Kenji Kawai
Object Programmer: Chikahiro Yoshida, Syuji Takahashi
Boss Programmer: Hiroshi Okamoto
Map Tool Programmer: Arata Hanashima
Sound Director: Tatsuya Kousaki
Sound Programmer: Atsumu Miyazawa, Yoshiaki Kashima
Composer: Junko Shiratsu, Mariko Nanba
Sound Effects: Junko Shiratsu
Special Thanks: James Spahn, Yukifumi Makino, Naofumi Hataya, Jun Senoue, Yuichiro Yokoyama, Yuichiro Konno, Jill Alexander
Character Introductions: Espio the Chameleon, Charmy Bee, Vector the Crocodile (on a system), Mighty the Armadillo (on a home gaming console), Heavy and Bomb.
Region Game Takes Place On: Newtrogic High Zone.
Concept Introductions: Even though Knuckles' Chaotix had the same general layout and elements of a conventional Sonic game, the method in which you ventured through each zone was entirely different. You ran through the zones with a partner; each of you holding a ring, and the rings were linked by an elastic band of sparkling energy. So you had to whip, zip and fling yourself around the zones. Your partner simply followed your actions and can submit to certain commands such as holding themselves in place or coming back when you call them in case they get lost.
Knuckles' Chaotix is also the Sonic game with the farthest range of power ups. One of which was a silver ring powerup, which when collected, combines all of your rings into one large ring that you can gain back if you lose it, getting back all of the rings you collected at once. Another included 'partner switch,' which is self-explanatory. Also, there was a powerup where your character changes to what character was featured on the powerup at the time you hit it — its effect is temporary. There was also an additional shrinking and enlarging powerup, changing the size of the character and their weight. Of course, there were the traditional 10 ring, invincibility, and bubble shield powerups.
Bonus stages are also accessible in hidden ring portals throughout the stages. Knuckles' Chaotix also introduced the 6 Chaos Rings (purple, pink, blue, cyan, green, yellow in color), which can only be collected via Special Stage.
Concept Deductions: There are no checkpoint markers in Knuckles' Chaotix. Special Stage access is however, the same (50 rings and the ring portal at the end of the zone). The 7 Chaos Emeralds were replaced by the 6 Chaos Rings.
Main Framework: Somewhat linear level design with a great vertical expanse, moreso than Sonic 3. The paths can really stretch in some spots, prompting one to take full advantage of the new ring mechanic.
Storyline:
Many months have passed since the defeat of Eggman's latest plan. The Death Egg had been destroyed twice over, Angel Island was safe and Little Planet had once again been liberated to disappear until another year. With their adventure finished, Sonic and Tails headed off to parts unknown to chill.
Little did everyone know that in the midst of all this, a new island rose up from the sea! This new landmass had risen due to the bond it shared with the Master Emerald itself. When Angel Island was driven into the sea, it was long enough to reestablish that link, and once the Master Emerald was reunited with the Chaos Emeralds, that triggered the island's delayed reappearance.
Naturally, this island's emergence drew the attention of a great deal of people. Who would be the first? Dr. Ivo Robotnik, unfortunately.
The mad scientist, still salty from his last humiliating defeat, was already in the market for another scheme. Thus, the new island was the lucky break he'd been looking for. After exploring, he came across an unusual ring that, with some examination, had inscribed text that confirmed the island's connection to the Knuckles Clan of echidnas. Shortly after that, he discovered an even more special ring. This one was a Chaos Ring, a special type of ring linked to the Master Emerald. To sweeten the deal, this was one of six, and together they had the ability to create a dimensional space capable of harnessing the power of the Master Emerald itself!!
Naturally, Eggman saw this as another shot at the Master Emerald and quickly set to work converting the entire island into another of his mechanical strongholds, the Newtrogic High Zone. He then started searching for more Chaos Rings, and even went as far as repairing Metal Sonic for assistance.
Whilst all this was happening, the new demented theme park got a few more visitors. Vector the Crocodile, a cool guy with a love of money, music and food, saw the island and, believing it to be a sign from God, went to see this "miracle" firsthand. Charmy Bee, a scatterbrained kid, went to the island to check out some new flowers. Mighty the Armadillo, an old friend of Sonic's, saw the island while traveling and headed over out of pure curiosity. And Espio the Chameleon, a hothead with a knack for detective work, arrived to investigate this new occurrence. One by one, they were all captured by Eggman and trapped in his newest invention, the "Combi Confiner". With his plan fully in motion and all potential miscreants turned into living statues, the Doctor was sure that he would succeed this time!
As always, however, there was one thing he didn't count on.
Knuckles, sensing a disturbance, saw the island and went there immediately, hoping to discover more about his lost heritage. When he arrived, ring in hand, he noticed how odd the place looked. As he explored, he saw an all too familiar face: Dr. Robotnik!! Knux had caught Eggman in the act of finalizing Espio's capture in the Combi-Confiner and quickly rushed over to stop him. Eggman saw Knuckles and, figuring the echidna still wanted a piece of him for the Death Egg incident, summoned Metal Sonic to carry him to safety, laughing all the while. With Eggman gone for the moment, Knuckles freed Espio, who filled him in. The two knew it was up to them to rescue the others and stop Eggman's latest plot!
Personal Criticism/Opinion (by Ryan the Game Master):
Now, this underrated piece of awesomeness is my favorite part of the Classic Era because of how different it is from the others. The environments are unique, the Special Stages are clever and you can hardly finish a level the same way twice. I don't usually gush about games (even Sonic games) but, here, I simply can't help it. Just everything about it is frickin' sweet!
Of course, I can also see why some people would have issues with this game as well. The controls seem to be the main complaint, what with the ring leash system and all. It's not impossible, but it does take quite a bit of getting used to, and having to learn the playstyles of seven different dudes doesn't exactly help matters. You just have to be persistent and not get caught up simply beating the game. It also has to be played with a friend you already work well with, or it's double the irritation, and no one wants that.
Knuckles' Chaotix is best enjoyed at an even pace. Yeah, that's practically blasphemy for this series, but it really is better when played slowly. You can really take in the environments and plan your way around obstacles and enemies. This, I believe, is a thinking man's Sonic game.
So, there you have it. Knuckles' first and only headlining game is my favorite 2D Sonic game of all time, and deserves far more respect than it has. But, underratedness has about as much influence on ranking on Concept: "Mobius" as overratedness does (i.e. None).
GAMER'S PERSPECTIVE:
Replay Value? You kiddin'? 7 different characters, using different team ups, multiple goal points, the Chaos Rings... I dare you to run out of things to do!
Graphics? It really is a shame the 32X tanked, because it had potential. This is the best looking Sonic game of the Classic Era. The characters look great and the environments are dynamic and wild.
Music & Sound Effects? Nicely done here. A few pieces are forgettable, but many more standout.
Storyline? This is the Classic Era, so don't expect any plot whatsoever here. *sigh*
*cue level completion jingle*
OVERALL RANK? I give Knuckles' Chaotix an
Knuckles' Chaotix - North America and Europe
Chaotix - Japan
Other Names (Nicknames): N/A
Release Dates:
March, 1995 - North America
April 21st, 1995 - Japan
May, 1995 - Europe
Quality: 32-Bit, Sidescrolling Platformer
Game System(s): Sega 32X
Also released on: N/A
Developer(s): Sega
Publisher(s): Sega
Credits:
Executive Producer: Mamoru Shigeta
Producer: Hiroshi Aso, Makoto Oshitani, Mike Larsen
Director: Masahide Kobayashi, Atsuhiko Nakamura, Naohisa Nakazawa
Team Leader: Hiroshi Fukutsu
Assistant Producer: Bill Person
Game Designer: Hiroshi Fukutsu, Keisuke Miura, Kenichi Ono
Map Designer: Hiroshi Fukutsu, Keisuke Miura, Kenichi Ono, Hideki Anbo, Masato Nishimura, Katsunori Murakami
Text Coordinator: Ryoichi Hasegawa
Product Manager: Ami Matsumura-Blaire
Chief Graphic Designer: Takumi Miyake
Attraction Designer: Takumi Miyake, Jina Ishiwatari, Sei Akaiwa, Masumi Uchida, Masamichi Harada, Tohru Watanuki, Akira Yamaguchi, Saori Wada, Tsutomu Nakatsugawa
Original Character Concept: Naoto Ohshima, Takashi Thomas Yuda, Manabu Kusunoki, Kazuyuki Hoshino, Takumi Miyake, Yasufumi Soejima
Character Designer: Ryo Kudou, Takumi Miyake, Jina Ishiwatari, Kazuyuki Hoshino, Yasufumi Soejima
Enemy Designer: Takumi Miyake, Ryo Kudou, Kazuyuki Hoshino
Boss Designer: Ryo Kudou, Takumi Miyake
Chief Programmer: Hiroshi Okamoto, Toshiaki Yajima
68K Programmer: Toshiaki Yajima
SH2 Programmer: Tatsuo Yamajiri
Scroll Programmer: Kenji Kawai
Object Programmer: Chikahiro Yoshida, Syuji Takahashi
Boss Programmer: Hiroshi Okamoto
Map Tool Programmer: Arata Hanashima
Sound Director: Tatsuya Kousaki
Sound Programmer: Atsumu Miyazawa, Yoshiaki Kashima
Composer: Junko Shiratsu, Mariko Nanba
Sound Effects: Junko Shiratsu
Special Thanks: James Spahn, Yukifumi Makino, Naofumi Hataya, Jun Senoue, Yuichiro Yokoyama, Yuichiro Konno, Jill Alexander
Character Introductions: Espio the Chameleon, Charmy Bee, Vector the Crocodile (on a system), Mighty the Armadillo (on a home gaming console), Heavy and Bomb.
Region Game Takes Place On: Newtrogic High Zone.
Concept Introductions: Even though Knuckles' Chaotix had the same general layout and elements of a conventional Sonic game, the method in which you ventured through each zone was entirely different. You ran through the zones with a partner; each of you holding a ring, and the rings were linked by an elastic band of sparkling energy. So you had to whip, zip and fling yourself around the zones. Your partner simply followed your actions and can submit to certain commands such as holding themselves in place or coming back when you call them in case they get lost.
Knuckles' Chaotix is also the Sonic game with the farthest range of power ups. One of which was a silver ring powerup, which when collected, combines all of your rings into one large ring that you can gain back if you lose it, getting back all of the rings you collected at once. Another included 'partner switch,' which is self-explanatory. Also, there was a powerup where your character changes to what character was featured on the powerup at the time you hit it — its effect is temporary. There was also an additional shrinking and enlarging powerup, changing the size of the character and their weight. Of course, there were the traditional 10 ring, invincibility, and bubble shield powerups.
Bonus stages are also accessible in hidden ring portals throughout the stages. Knuckles' Chaotix also introduced the 6 Chaos Rings (purple, pink, blue, cyan, green, yellow in color), which can only be collected via Special Stage.
Concept Deductions: There are no checkpoint markers in Knuckles' Chaotix. Special Stage access is however, the same (50 rings and the ring portal at the end of the zone). The 7 Chaos Emeralds were replaced by the 6 Chaos Rings.
Main Framework: Somewhat linear level design with a great vertical expanse, moreso than Sonic 3. The paths can really stretch in some spots, prompting one to take full advantage of the new ring mechanic.
Storyline:
Many months have passed since the defeat of Eggman's latest plan. The Death Egg had been destroyed twice over, Angel Island was safe and Little Planet had once again been liberated to disappear until another year. With their adventure finished, Sonic and Tails headed off to parts unknown to chill.
Little did everyone know that in the midst of all this, a new island rose up from the sea! This new landmass had risen due to the bond it shared with the Master Emerald itself. When Angel Island was driven into the sea, it was long enough to reestablish that link, and once the Master Emerald was reunited with the Chaos Emeralds, that triggered the island's delayed reappearance.
Naturally, this island's emergence drew the attention of a great deal of people. Who would be the first? Dr. Ivo Robotnik, unfortunately.
The mad scientist, still salty from his last humiliating defeat, was already in the market for another scheme. Thus, the new island was the lucky break he'd been looking for. After exploring, he came across an unusual ring that, with some examination, had inscribed text that confirmed the island's connection to the Knuckles Clan of echidnas. Shortly after that, he discovered an even more special ring. This one was a Chaos Ring, a special type of ring linked to the Master Emerald. To sweeten the deal, this was one of six, and together they had the ability to create a dimensional space capable of harnessing the power of the Master Emerald itself!!
Naturally, Eggman saw this as another shot at the Master Emerald and quickly set to work converting the entire island into another of his mechanical strongholds, the Newtrogic High Zone. He then started searching for more Chaos Rings, and even went as far as repairing Metal Sonic for assistance.
Whilst all this was happening, the new demented theme park got a few more visitors. Vector the Crocodile, a cool guy with a love of money, music and food, saw the island and, believing it to be a sign from God, went to see this "miracle" firsthand. Charmy Bee, a scatterbrained kid, went to the island to check out some new flowers. Mighty the Armadillo, an old friend of Sonic's, saw the island while traveling and headed over out of pure curiosity. And Espio the Chameleon, a hothead with a knack for detective work, arrived to investigate this new occurrence. One by one, they were all captured by Eggman and trapped in his newest invention, the "Combi Confiner". With his plan fully in motion and all potential miscreants turned into living statues, the Doctor was sure that he would succeed this time!
As always, however, there was one thing he didn't count on.
Knuckles, sensing a disturbance, saw the island and went there immediately, hoping to discover more about his lost heritage. When he arrived, ring in hand, he noticed how odd the place looked. As he explored, he saw an all too familiar face: Dr. Robotnik!! Knux had caught Eggman in the act of finalizing Espio's capture in the Combi-Confiner and quickly rushed over to stop him. Eggman saw Knuckles and, figuring the echidna still wanted a piece of him for the Death Egg incident, summoned Metal Sonic to carry him to safety, laughing all the while. With Eggman gone for the moment, Knuckles freed Espio, who filled him in. The two knew it was up to them to rescue the others and stop Eggman's latest plot!
Personal Criticism/Opinion (by Ryan the Game Master):
Now, this underrated piece of awesomeness is my favorite part of the Classic Era because of how different it is from the others. The environments are unique, the Special Stages are clever and you can hardly finish a level the same way twice. I don't usually gush about games (even Sonic games) but, here, I simply can't help it. Just everything about it is frickin' sweet!
Of course, I can also see why some people would have issues with this game as well. The controls seem to be the main complaint, what with the ring leash system and all. It's not impossible, but it does take quite a bit of getting used to, and having to learn the playstyles of seven different dudes doesn't exactly help matters. You just have to be persistent and not get caught up simply beating the game. It also has to be played with a friend you already work well with, or it's double the irritation, and no one wants that.
Knuckles' Chaotix is best enjoyed at an even pace. Yeah, that's practically blasphemy for this series, but it really is better when played slowly. You can really take in the environments and plan your way around obstacles and enemies. This, I believe, is a thinking man's Sonic game.
So, there you have it. Knuckles' first and only headlining game is my favorite 2D Sonic game of all time, and deserves far more respect than it has. But, underratedness has about as much influence on ranking on Concept: "Mobius" as overratedness does (i.e. None).
GAMER'S PERSPECTIVE:
Replay Value? You kiddin'? 7 different characters, using different team ups, multiple goal points, the Chaos Rings... I dare you to run out of things to do!
Graphics? It really is a shame the 32X tanked, because it had potential. This is the best looking Sonic game of the Classic Era. The characters look great and the environments are dynamic and wild.
Music & Sound Effects? Nicely done here. A few pieces are forgettable, but many more standout.
Storyline? This is the Classic Era, so don't expect any plot whatsoever here. *sigh*
*cue level completion jingle*
OVERALL RANK? I give Knuckles' Chaotix an